Meetmebythesea gives JP McManus first Paddy Power Gold Cup victory

Meetmebythesea won the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday, giving owner JP McManus his first success in the race. BBC Sport reported that Harry Cobden brought the six-year-old home ahead of Blueking D'Oroux after the pair reached the final fence together.

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The 2-1 favourite pulled clear on the run-in to finish two-and-a-half lengths ahead of Dan Skelton's runner, who started at 10-3. Torneo, a 12-1 chance, took third another half-length behind. Ten horses contested the race after five withdrawals, with July Flower among the non-runners.

The race was a Class 1 Premier Handicap chase on Cheltenham's Old Course, over two miles, four furlongs and 44 yards. Racing Post's racecard listed 16 fences and a total guaranteed prize fund of £160,000, with £91,120 allocated to the winner. Meetmebythesea was assigned 11st 10lb from an official rating of 151.

The victory followed an already productive first season over fences. Sporting Life's form guide recorded wins at Wetherby and Ayr before Meetmebythesea took the 18-runner Golden Miller novice handicap at the Cheltenham Festival in March. That result had brought his chasing record to three wins from four starts before his return for Saturday's handicap.

Racing Post had reported before the meeting that the Ben Pauling-trained horse had not raced since that Festival success. The November assignment therefore brought him back to Cheltenham after a lengthy absence, with another major handicap on the programme rather than an intervening prep run. His previous Festival win had come over 21 furlongs.

Cobden celebrated as he crossed the line. In comments to ITV Sport carried by the BBC, he expressed his gratitude for riding for McManus and his determination to enjoy major victories. The jockey began his retained role for the owner in Britain and Ireland in May.

Pauling praised the winner's jumping, travelling and resolve, but did not commit to a future Cheltenham Gold Cup campaign. Asked about that possibility, he remained uncertain about the horse's eventual target, despite regarding Saturday's performance as a step forward.